The best camping near Elliston with swimming

·

Elliston draws swimmers looking to cool off in natural spots, with over 250 campsites that put water access front and center. Expect rates averaging $100 a night, though you can snag a basic site for as little as $30. You’ll find places where the river runs clear, and ponds are just steps from your tent. Pet-friendly rules, hot showers, and campfire rings are the norm. Top picks? Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town (43 reviews) brings an Old West vibe, Mentzer Ranch (19 reviews) lets you swim and ride horseback, while Farm Land Escape (8 reviews) gives you a quiet place to unwind. Hike, swim, and watch the sun dip behind Montana hills—this is Elliston camping at its most refreshing.

95% (95) 41 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Elliston

Farm Land Escape

1. Farm Land Escape

100%
(10)
25mi from Elliston · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying. This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock. This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there. Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame. I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time. Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers thank you
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$80
 / night
Montana Roots Adventure Company

2. Montana Roots Adventure Company

98%
(27)
36mi from Elliston · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars! Located on a working cattle ranch in the secluded Flint Creek Valley, our hand built ranch offers 360 degree breathtaking mountain views and lush fields of free range grazing livestock. Come experience a true Montana “glamping” experience, away from all the hustle and bustle where you can unwind and take in the sunrises and sunsets in beautiful Big Sky Country. We have our brand-new yurt available as well as a 30amp plug-in. Your stay can be a simple stay, or for extra fees can include farm-2-table meals (with reserve wine pairings if desired), guided fly/ice fishing experiences, short backpacking trips and backcountry skiing! Conveniently located 45 mins outside Missoula, 25 mins from Philipsburg and 50 mins from Discovery Ski Mtn. Some things to note: this is a working ranch, meaning there are cows and family members tending to the animals (not in the yurt’s private area, but surrounding it); in the winter, the concrete pad the yurt stands on can be slippery, so please be aware and utilize the provided ice melt in the bucket by the side door when needed. In spring, the ranch can quite muddy; please keep vehicles on the rock driveway only. Boot trays are provided by both doors. Extra cleaning fees apply if pets are staying in the yurt.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

3. Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

93%
(54)
38mi from Elliston · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step back in time and camp under the wide-open skies of Montana’s Wild West! Gunslinger Gulch is a real-deal ghost town turned Old West experience, nestled just outside Anaconda in the heart of Big Sky Country. This is dry camping with a twist — surrounded by rustic buildings, rolling hills, and the spirit of the frontier. ⛺ What You’ll Get: Large, level spots for tents, vans, trailers, or RVs (no hookups) Community Campfire available (fire conditions/weather permitting) Epic sunrises, star-studded skies, and wide-open space Access to authentic Western movie sets, vintage photo ops, and cowboy history. Peace, quiet, and a front-row seat to Montana’s natural beauty Experience More: Add-on trail rides (2026), ghost town tours, or chuckwagon dinners (in season) Take unforgettable old-time photos in full costume. Catch special events, reenactments, and live music throughout the year. 🚫 What to Know Before You Go: This is DRY camping — no water, electric, or dump station (bring your own supplies) We’re rustic, just like the pioneers liked it Pets welcome (must be leashed and picked up after) Horse camping also available. Please inquire. Cell service may be limited, wifi available— a perfect excuse to unplug! 📸 Perfect for: Travelers looking for a unique overnight stay, road-trippers with a taste for the Old West, off-grid enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone craving something different. Come camp where legends once rode — only at Gunslinger Gulch.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

4. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%
(14)
National forest 78mi from Elliston · 633 sites
Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Black Sandy State Park

5. Black Sandy State Park

State park 30mi from Elliston · 34 sites
Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Helena West Side Wonder!

6. Helena West Side Wonder!

94%
(8)
19mi from Elliston · 1 site
Bring your camper and park where everything about Helena is accessible! If your goal is to hear the wind in the trees and enjoy the outdoors - this is your spot! You can bike/hike on Mount Helena or head into downtown and enjoy sporting events, breweries and all things Helena has to offer. We are 2 miles from downtown Helena and at the base of the Mount Helena hiking/biking trails. This is a private lot with trees that includes water and power. You take what you came with (including garbage) and leave our spot the same as you found it. This is a residential community, so quiet hours start at 10 pm and no large groups are allowed. We do not have a dump station, but there is one within 4 miles. Beautiful location with amazing star gazing, wildlife and outdoor adventures. Quiet neighborhood - so no parties! Less than 1/2 mile of dirt road off the level and paved (just above Montana Wild and Spring Meadow Lake) and easy access to Mount Helena. Plenty of room for large campers!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$50
 / night
The Mountaintop Disconnect

7. The Mountaintop Disconnect

100%
(3)
34mi from Elliston · 1 site
We don't know much about the history of our property but we can tell you that we plan on keeping it forever. It has absurdly good views at the top and is the perfect amount of remote and accessible for us.Learn more about this land:The property begins at the base of a small mountain and goes straight to the 6000' peak (and a little past). Great views, silent surroundings. You will very much be in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy it. There is a natural spring on the property from which you may get your water. Please no relieving yourself within 100 feet of the spring or uphill from it.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$225
 / night
York Montana Hideaway

8. York Montana Hideaway

83%
(6)
36mi from Elliston · 1 site
As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a  number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$45
 / night
Alhambra RV Park

9. Alhambra RV Park

24mi from Elliston
Alhambra RV Park in Clancy, MT, is a unique destination steeped in history, located on the grounds of former sanitariums and hot springs that once attracted visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. In the early 1900s, travelers arrived via the Great Northern Railroad at Alhambra station to experience the therapeutic benefits of the Alhambra and Sunnyside Sanatoriums. For decades, guests enjoyed the natural beauty of the area, soaking in mineral-rich waters until a fire in 1959 led to the closure of the facilities. Today, Clancy remains a charming community just 10 miles south of Helena, the state capital. Conveniently situated off Interstate I-15 at exit 182, Alhambra RV Park offers a tranquil escape with sites nestled around the picturesque Prickly Pear stream. Guests can unwind in a serene environment while enjoying fishing opportunities and a peaceful stay during their travels through Montana. The park is equipped with essential amenities, including electricity, fire pits, picnic tables, a dump station, pull-through sites, propane refills, and clean restrooms. While visiting, take advantage of the various outdoor activities available, such as fishing, golfing, and hiking. Additionally, explore the nearby attractions, including the Lewis & Clark County Fair
Lolo National Forest

10. Lolo National Forest

92%
(12)
National forest 109mi from Elliston · 395 sites
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

11. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

87mi from Elliston
Bozeman Campground stands out for its serene environment, conveniently located just five minutes away from exceptional golfing and premier fly-fishing opportunities along the Gallatin River. This unique setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore further, the campground serves as an ideal base for day trips to fascinating destinations such as Virginia City and Lewis and Clark Caverns. History enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Museum of the Rockies, home to the largest T. Rex skull in the world. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away, with fishing access available just 40 minutes south and the west entrance located 82 miles from the campground. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the campground, where children can engage in fun activities like gold panning or enjoy the refreshing pool and splash park. Bozeman Campground truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the whole family.

Elliston draws swimmers looking to cool off in natural spots, with over 250 campsites that put water access front and center. Expect rates averaging $100 a night, though you can snag a basic site for as little as $30. You’ll find places where the river runs clear, and ponds are just steps from your tent. Pet-friendly rules, hot showers, and campfire rings are the norm. Top picks? Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town (43 reviews) brings an Old West vibe, Mentzer Ranch (19 reviews) lets you swim and ride horseback, while Farm Land Escape (8 reviews) gives you a quiet place to unwind. Hike, swim, and watch the sun dip behind Montana hills—this is Elliston camping at its most refreshing.

95% (95) 41 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Elliston

Farm Land Escape

1. Farm Land Escape

100%
(10)
25mi from Elliston · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Please contact me through here 1-2 days prior to your arrival so I can get your area ready. As there may be one other camper from time to time as well. I want you to have the privacy and the experience as if it was only you and you’re family staying. This 53 acres use to be owned by a guy named John Helberg which is who the road is named after. It’s the original homestead land dated over 100 years ago where they farmed for there dairy cows and other livestock. This is right off a dead end road. You will have a view of a Montana farm field with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Dark nights out of the town means the stars will be out and about! This is a quiet secluded area there is a house near by, he is an older gentlemen you won’t even know he’s there. Depending on time of year there will be a field full of crop or the farm getting farmed. There very well could be some horses near by to pet!! Located 10 minutes from the lakes. 5 minutes from a reservoir. 10 minutes from town. 15 min to closest hiking areas. Helena really is the heart of fun very centralized for all directions of fun! Very easy pull in and pull out area. Please not there may be other campers enjoying as well Black Sandy State Park and Helena National Park are both under 15 miles away. Enjoy hiking and If you’re the boating type, head down the Missouri river in search of a rumored rope swing or jump off the boat for a dip in the crystal waters of Hauser Lake. Looking to avoid all the crowds or enjoy a solitary weekend under the endless Montana sky? Just head to Black Sandy during the winter months! You’ll find the same great stunning views and an ice skating experience that will put your grandparents’ childhood tales to shame. I do have power 50 amp, fresh water, grey water hook up, no black water. This option may not be available all of the time. Nearby is a brown shop this is area is rented out and off limits to camp stayers. The patio area on shop is not for the hipcampers thank you
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$80
 / night
Montana Roots Adventure Company

2. Montana Roots Adventure Company

98%
(27)
36mi from Elliston · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Get away from it all when you stay under the stars! Located on a working cattle ranch in the secluded Flint Creek Valley, our hand built ranch offers 360 degree breathtaking mountain views and lush fields of free range grazing livestock. Come experience a true Montana “glamping” experience, away from all the hustle and bustle where you can unwind and take in the sunrises and sunsets in beautiful Big Sky Country. We have our brand-new yurt available as well as a 30amp plug-in. Your stay can be a simple stay, or for extra fees can include farm-2-table meals (with reserve wine pairings if desired), guided fly/ice fishing experiences, short backpacking trips and backcountry skiing! Conveniently located 45 mins outside Missoula, 25 mins from Philipsburg and 50 mins from Discovery Ski Mtn. Some things to note: this is a working ranch, meaning there are cows and family members tending to the animals (not in the yurt’s private area, but surrounding it); in the winter, the concrete pad the yurt stands on can be slippery, so please be aware and utilize the provided ice melt in the bucket by the side door when needed. In spring, the ranch can quite muddy; please keep vehicles on the rock driveway only. Boot trays are provided by both doors. Extra cleaning fees apply if pets are staying in the yurt.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

3. Gunslinger Gulch Ghost Town

93%
(54)
38mi from Elliston · 22 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Step back in time and camp under the wide-open skies of Montana’s Wild West! Gunslinger Gulch is a real-deal ghost town turned Old West experience, nestled just outside Anaconda in the heart of Big Sky Country. This is dry camping with a twist — surrounded by rustic buildings, rolling hills, and the spirit of the frontier. ⛺ What You’ll Get: Large, level spots for tents, vans, trailers, or RVs (no hookups) Community Campfire available (fire conditions/weather permitting) Epic sunrises, star-studded skies, and wide-open space Access to authentic Western movie sets, vintage photo ops, and cowboy history. Peace, quiet, and a front-row seat to Montana’s natural beauty Experience More: Add-on trail rides (2026), ghost town tours, or chuckwagon dinners (in season) Take unforgettable old-time photos in full costume. Catch special events, reenactments, and live music throughout the year. 🚫 What to Know Before You Go: This is DRY camping — no water, electric, or dump station (bring your own supplies) We’re rustic, just like the pioneers liked it Pets welcome (must be leashed and picked up after) Horse camping also available. Please inquire. Cell service may be limited, wifi available— a perfect excuse to unplug! 📸 Perfect for: Travelers looking for a unique overnight stay, road-trippers with a taste for the Old West, off-grid enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone craving something different. Come camp where legends once rode — only at Gunslinger Gulch.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

4. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%
(14)
National forest 78mi from Elliston · 633 sites
Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Black Sandy State Park

5. Black Sandy State Park

State park 30mi from Elliston · 34 sites
Discover Black Sandy State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Helena West Side Wonder!

6. Helena West Side Wonder!

94%
(8)
19mi from Elliston · 1 site
Bring your camper and park where everything about Helena is accessible! If your goal is to hear the wind in the trees and enjoy the outdoors - this is your spot! You can bike/hike on Mount Helena or head into downtown and enjoy sporting events, breweries and all things Helena has to offer. We are 2 miles from downtown Helena and at the base of the Mount Helena hiking/biking trails. This is a private lot with trees that includes water and power. You take what you came with (including garbage) and leave our spot the same as you found it. This is a residential community, so quiet hours start at 10 pm and no large groups are allowed. We do not have a dump station, but there is one within 4 miles. Beautiful location with amazing star gazing, wildlife and outdoor adventures. Quiet neighborhood - so no parties! Less than 1/2 mile of dirt road off the level and paved (just above Montana Wild and Spring Meadow Lake) and easy access to Mount Helena. Plenty of room for large campers!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$50
 / night
The Mountaintop Disconnect

7. The Mountaintop Disconnect

100%
(3)
34mi from Elliston · 1 site
We don't know much about the history of our property but we can tell you that we plan on keeping it forever. It has absurdly good views at the top and is the perfect amount of remote and accessible for us.Learn more about this land:The property begins at the base of a small mountain and goes straight to the 6000' peak (and a little past). Great views, silent surroundings. You will very much be in the middle of nowhere. Enjoy it. There is a natural spring on the property from which you may get your water. Please no relieving yourself within 100 feet of the spring or uphill from it.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$225
 / night
York Montana Hideaway

8. York Montana Hideaway

83%
(6)
36mi from Elliston · 1 site
As opposed to the thousands of runoff creeks in Western Montana, the unique Trout Creek Canyon has one of the few spring fed streams. It's rather large volume of water flows from several groups of canyons and drainages in the Little Belt mountains, bubbling out of the ground six miles up at the foot of the beautiful Vigilante canyon and terminating in the Missouri River three miles further down. Over the last 150 years a  number of gold and silver mines have operated in the gulches at the side of the canyon. A pictorial history is available at the community park and in the social hall. If you're lucky you might even still see a few mountain goats on your way up the canyon.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$45
 / night
Alhambra RV Park

9. Alhambra RV Park

24mi from Elliston
Alhambra RV Park in Clancy, MT, is a unique destination steeped in history, located on the grounds of former sanitariums and hot springs that once attracted visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. In the early 1900s, travelers arrived via the Great Northern Railroad at Alhambra station to experience the therapeutic benefits of the Alhambra and Sunnyside Sanatoriums. For decades, guests enjoyed the natural beauty of the area, soaking in mineral-rich waters until a fire in 1959 led to the closure of the facilities. Today, Clancy remains a charming community just 10 miles south of Helena, the state capital. Conveniently situated off Interstate I-15 at exit 182, Alhambra RV Park offers a tranquil escape with sites nestled around the picturesque Prickly Pear stream. Guests can unwind in a serene environment while enjoying fishing opportunities and a peaceful stay during their travels through Montana. The park is equipped with essential amenities, including electricity, fire pits, picnic tables, a dump station, pull-through sites, propane refills, and clean restrooms. While visiting, take advantage of the various outdoor activities available, such as fishing, golfing, and hiking. Additionally, explore the nearby attractions, including the Lewis & Clark County Fair
Lolo National Forest

10. Lolo National Forest

92%
(12)
National forest 109mi from Elliston · 395 sites
You are going to be filled to the brim with glee when you discover Lolo National Forest. Seriously; this is the kind of place you can stand with your feet in a crystal clear stream, bighorn sheep filling the meadow, with the sun setting behind snowcapped mountain peaks in the distance. And that’s just a roadside pull off! With over two million acres to explore, hikers, bikers and backcountry seekers will be stoked on the supa-lush forest, and trails like Cougar Peak Lookout and the Lolo Peak trail (which we assure you is not low-low). Boat for a day in Seeley Lake, or cast a line into pristine mountain streams for a try at the trout. Dinner is going to taste great over the campfire! Through the meadows or up the peaks, it’s easy enough to get your share of adventure at Lolo.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

11. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

87mi from Elliston
Bozeman Campground stands out for its serene environment, conveniently located just five minutes away from exceptional golfing and premier fly-fishing opportunities along the Gallatin River. This unique setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore further, the campground serves as an ideal base for day trips to fascinating destinations such as Virginia City and Lewis and Clark Caverns. History enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Museum of the Rockies, home to the largest T. Rex skull in the world. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away, with fishing access available just 40 minutes south and the west entrance located 82 miles from the campground. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the campground, where children can engage in fun activities like gold panning or enjoy the refreshing pool and splash park. Bozeman Campground truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the whole family.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top state and regional parks near Elliston, MT